How to deal with Power-Drill Kickback

Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 1st Jan 2021

Kickback from your drill can be a real problem. But these days, most professional brands are doing all they can to limit and prevent the issue. This Toolstop guide explains how to deal with Power-Drill Kickback and get the most from your tool. Put simply, Kickback is the sudden and unintended movement of the tool or workpiece.

What is Electric Drill Kickback?

In this Toolstop guide, we’ll focus on the challenge of preventing “kickback” from certain drilling applications.

First off, what is “kickback”?

The Power Tool Institute defines it as the following: "Kickback – Sudden and unintended movement of the tool or workpiece. It is typically caused by binding or pinching of the workpiece".

In practical, job-site terms, drill kickback will occur when you’re attempting an application that your drill doesn’t have the grunt to complete, or the bit isn’t up to scratch, or your bit gets snagged somewhere in the surface you’re drilling into (such as an unseen screw or nail).

No one wants kickback from their powered drill as it often results in injuries, particularly when working at height. To that end, Bosch has engineered technology into the new GSR & GSB 14.4/18 VE-2-Li Robust series drills. Please note - Most other brands have now also introduced 'Kickback Control' which works in the same way to prevent injury upon use for more productive working.

Dealing With Power-Drill Kickback

What’s Bosch’s Solution to “Kickback”?

The solution Bosch has come up with is Electronic Rotation Control, or ERC. ERC electronically manages the rotation of the drill, limiting the rotary movement of it should it encounter a “kickback” situation. The system is controlled via an integrated acceleration sensor within the tool. It detects sudden movements of the tool, and when one occurs immediately cuts power to the motor, protecting you from a broken wrist, arm or worse, and the tool itself.

Then restart the drill, simply depress the trigger and you’re good to go again. We asked Martin from Bosch to quickly demo ERC to us at Bosch’s recent product launch, watch his demo on Toolstop TV below:

Drill Kickback Solutions

Who Needs an ERC Enabled Drill?

We reckon any of you who regularly need to drill at height using large bits, drilling deep holes. Basically, anyone who’s at risk from experiencing “kickback” from their drill.

Of course, we fully realise that not everyone is in the market for a drill upgrade, so until you’re ready to move up to Bosch's new Robust series drills, check out our Toolstop University Guide on how to properly set up the side handle on your drill to keep you safe while you work.

But, Bosch arent the only ones who have came up with a solution to this problem. Many brands now also have 'Kickback Control' which works in the exact same way to prevent injury and have an overall better working experience.